18-pounder guides Andrew Muirhead to the British Pike Champs Final

The Angling Trust British Pike Final on Saturday 12th November 2016 was once again held on the 20ft River and Glassmore Bank sections of Whittlesey AA’s waters near Peterborough, Cambs.

This unique event saw anglers in an effort to take, not only the coveted title but a share of the prize and pools money for the winner of almost £1,500.

After a week of morning frosts and occasional rainfall the 209 competitors were greeted by driving, heavy rain. The finger-numbing conditions were mirrored by the lack of sport in certain areas and the wet banks were difficult.

The Middle Level Commisioners together with Whittlesey Angling Club had made an excellent job of ensuring the pegs were cleared and reeds cut around the pegs used. However the legacy of a very mild autumn and lack of rainfall prior to final’s day resulted in very clear water conditions and extra weed growth.

Many were unsure just how the drains would perform on the day, but it was the Glassmore Bank sections that proved once again to be in good form. The winner, top junior and ladies titles were all taken here.

Andrew Muirhead made the trip from Cromer very fruitful when he slipped the net under an 18-1-0 specimen two hours into the match and the addition of a small 3lb fish was enough to take the title.

Several other doubles were taken by anglers scoring section wins and Wayne Lees on the 20ft River netted a 13-4-0 fish in his runners-up 16-0-0 total.

One of the biggest cheers of the day was for Jack Taylor from Stoke-on-Trent who made the junior title his own with a superb 14-0-0 snapper. Jack rued the loss of another good run soon after, but his earlier fish alone was also good enough to take a brilliant third place overall.

Mansfield piker Jean Lloyd has fished many past finals and this time made the end peg on the section pay dividends. Jean managed to fool just one fish of 3-8-0 to claim the ‘Top Lady’ trophy.